Site Evaluation: Julie Yates Semmes Branch, San Antonio Public Library

Programs, services, and resources as compared to Helen Hall:

Web environment: OPAC does scale to mobile and from catalog page

ILS provider/enhancements:  Has RFID self-checks but not AMH. Innovative Interfaces for OPAC.  Mobile "Catalog Search" option doesn't go anywhere - no advanced search on mobile

Mobile app: Exists but is not promoted. No obvious link on website or OPAC.

Privacy/copyright (legal) policies and accommodations: No faces

Community engagement programs and services:  Lunch in summer

Children's STEM programming: Lego time and Dinosaur George

Children's Arts and Letters programming: Music at another branch, Storytime, puppet theater, Summerfest reading club party

Children's Literacies programs and services: Baby Time

Children's Recreational programming: Yu Gi Oh

Adult/Teen STEM programming: Tween time ("interactive fun coding club at another branch")

Adult/Teen Arts and Letters programming:  @10:30 - 2nd Saturday Classics Club, @2:00 - 3rd Saturday Book Club and a Summerfest Reading Club Party

Adult/Teen Literacies programs and services: Yu Gi Oh and Professional Development services at another branch.
Adult/Teen Recreational programming: Teen Games

Device checkout and/or support: They must have tablets because there was a Wi-Fi network named "Library Tablets".  There was no visible info though.

E-Book platform: Freegal & 1 click digital

Is hotspot/circulates hotspots:  Couldn't access Wi-fi

Staff-generated content:  Lots of subjects guides online.

Technology in General: Has intercom.  Printing is .25 a page.

Merchandising: Flyers and Book bundles

Marketing (beyond merchandising and social media): Cooperative system marketing, Mayor's name all over reading clubs

Materials collected: Nothing beyond us.

Friends/Foundation activity, Board/advocacy:  No benefit beyond newsletter and "Volunteer Fun"

Organization/arrangement/access of materials: Big Spanish section. Only picture books in direct sun and are faded.

Facility Evaluation, Criteria and Notes:

Welcoming and Inviting Entry: Definite contemporary mission/SW feel, desert. Small, glassed-in bulletin boards flanking vestibule and lobby, restrooms and program room to left, book return right, circulation desk, ahead on right, wall on left opens to kids on one side, quiet room ahead.       

Functionality and Efficiency: Need more collection and computer space.               

Flexibility and Adaptability: I see 2 outlets from where I am sitting.  Teen section and self-checks visibly shoehorned in after the fact.   

Variety of Spaces to Cater for Different Users and Uses, Social and People-Centered: Quiet room has 3 tables, no teaching lab, no private study rooms.  Storytime and lunch were going on so it seemed social, surprised computer people didn't complain.         .

A Sense of Place and Inspiration: Gorgeous back patio, wall of glass facing, wood/ravine scenic drop-off, rustic furniture, steps down to nature trail -- fabulous but closed due to wasps.

Environmental Comfort and Sustainability: Was built as a "Green" building but has never had working heat or AC.            

Access, Safety and Security: Accessibility was good.  Needed signs advertising Wi-Fi and Mobile App.    

Integration of Technologies:  No room to expand with collaborate space (smart boards), no laptop stations, no room for AV, Makerspace               .